Disposable absorbent article designed to facilitate an easy intuitive change

ABSTRACT

A disposable absorbent article to be worn about the lower torso of a wearer that facilitates an easy, intuitive change is provided. The disposable absorbent article includes at least one serviceable indicium that facilitates an easy, intuitive change by aligning the article relative to an anatomical feature of the wearer or relative to a component of the article thereby enhancing the fit and corresponding performance of the article.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention is directed to hygienic absorbent articles, suchas diapers, training pants and the like. Particularly, the invention isdirected to disposable diapers designed to facilitate the process offitting the diaper to a wearer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Absorbent articles are well known in the art. These articlestypically have an absorbent core held or positioned in proximity to thebody of a wearer during use by a fastening system in order to captureand absorb bodily exudates discharged from the wearer. Typical absorbentarticles include a topsheet facing the wearer, which permits fluidexudates to pass through, and a backsheet, which prevents the exudatesfrom escaping from the absorbent article.

[0003] Disposable absorbent articles such as diapers are designed toabsorb and contain bodily waste in order to prevent soiling of the bodyand clothing of the wearer. The disposable diapers typically comprise asingle design available in different sizes to fit a variety of wearersranging from newborns to toddlers undergoing toilet training. The designof the diaper typically affects performance, such as, ability to absorband contain bodily waste. The size of the diaper typically affects fit,for example, the size of the diaper waist opening, the size of theopenings around the thighs, and the length or “pitch” of the diaper.

[0004] Articles worn externally to the body of the wearer, such asdiapers, are commonly misapplied due to awkward positioning of thewearer or the restless movement of the wearer during fitting. Suchmisapplication may result in an uneven fit; gaps, which result inleakage; and misplaced parts (such as fasteners), which may result inmarking the skin of the wearer and/or discomfort. This is particularlytrue of caregivers dealing with uncooperative wearers such as babies.Babies, even from a young age, move their legs into awkward positions,roll from side to side, or even violently resist diaper changes usinghand and leg motions. As a result, the caregiver often has to holdportions of the wearer's body as well as the diaper during the changeprocess making it very difficult to achieve proper alignment of thediaper for fitting.

[0005] Attempts have been made in the art to improve the process ofapplying an absorbent article to the wearer such as by using an externalchange aid such as described in co-pending European Patent ApplicationNo. 01117671 filed Jul. 26, 2001. The change aids described in saidapplication are devices that assist in the application or removal ofarticles worn primarily externally on the body of the wearer, especiallyhygienic absorbent articles, such as diapers, adult incontinencearticles, feminine protection articles and the like. However, suchexternal devices are not integrated in the absorbent article itselfrequiring the caregiver to purchase an extra device

[0006] Thus, there is a need for a disposable diaper including featuresthat facilitate the changing process. Particularly, there is a need fora diaper having intuitive elements that facilitate a change by enablinga caregiver to get the fit on the wearer right the first time withminimal, if any, adjustment. There is also a need for a diaper havingversatile change elements that enable it to be fitted to a wearer whilethe wearer is standing or lying down where in either case the diaper caneasily be fitted to the wearer without instruction.

SUMMARY

[0007] The present invention provides a disposable absorbent article tobe worn about the lower torso of a wearer that includes at least oneserviceable indicium that facilitates an easy, intuitive change byaligning the article relative to an anatomical feature of the wearer orrelative to a component of the article, thus enhancing the fit andcorresponding performance of the article. The disposable absorbentarticle includes a body-facing surface and a garment-facing surface; alongitudinal axis and a transverse axis; a first waist region with afirst end edge, a second waist region with a second end edge, and acrotch region interposed therebetween. A pair of opposing longitudinalside edges join the first end edge and the second end edge. Thedisposable absorbent article includes a backsheet having a body-facingsurface and a garment-facing surface, and a core disposed on thebody-facing surface of the backsheet.

[0008] Embodiments of the disposable absorbent article include at leastone externally visible serviceable indicium disposed on portions of thedisposable absorbent article proximate the longitudinal side edges in atleast the crotch region. The disposable absorbent article may alsoinclude at least one externally visible serviceable indicium disposed onportions of the disposable absorbent article proximate the first andsecond end edges. The externally visible serviceable indicia distinguishthe portions of the garment-facing surface of the article proximate thelongitudinal side edges and portions of the article proximate the firstand second end edges from a portion of the garment-facing surface of thearticle proximate an intersection of the longitudinal and transverseaxes. For these embodiments, the externally visible serviceable indiciacan provide a contoured pattern complementing features of the disposableabsorbent article such a shaped core, barrier leg cuffs and/or afastening system.

[0009] For instance, in one embodiment, the disposable article includesa first ear panel disposed along each longitudinal side edge in thesecond waist region. Each first ear panel includes a body-facing surfaceand a garment-facing surface. At least a portion of each of the firstear panels includes at least one externally visible serviceable indiciumcomplementing the externally visible serviceable indicium disposed onthe garment-facing surface of the article proximate the first and secondend edges and/or proximate the longitudinal side edges. For thisembodiment, the disposable absorbent article includes a fastening systemfor releasably securing the first waist region and the second waistregion about the lower torso of the wearer. During fitting, the at leastone externally visible serviceable indicia on the portion of each of thefirst ear panels are aligned with the externally visible serviceableindicia proximate the first end edge to form a composite substantiallyaligned indicia encircling the waist of the wearer. At the same time,the at least one externally visible serviceable indicium on thegarment-facing surface of the article proximate the longitudinal sideedges form composite substantially aligned indicia encircling the legsof the wearer. The composite substantially aligned indicia encirclingthe waist and the legs of the wearer denote proper alignment and fit ofthe article about the hips and legs of the wearer.

[0010] Alternate embodiments include at least one internally visibleserviceable indicium observable on a portion of the body-facing surfaceof the disposable absorbent article facilitating the alignment of thearticle, or components thereof, to anatomic features of the wearerduring fitting. For these embodiments the disposable absorbent articlemay include an elasticized topsheet with an elongated slit openingdisposed therein. The elasticized slit opening is intended to align withthe wearers anus and/or genitals to receive fecal matter and/or urinetherein. The internally visible serviceable indicia can be used tofacilitate such alignment.

[0011] In another embodiment, the disposable absorbent article includesa fastening system having separate primary and secondary landing membersthat attach to tab members during a first fit and a second fit,respectively. The primary and secondary landing members includeserviceable indicia providing instructional marks designating matchingconnections with the tab members during the first fit and the secondfit. The first fit provides a loose fit which can enable the article tobe maneuvered about the wearer's lower torso during fitting and thesecond fit provides a secure fit about the wearer's waist.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] While the specification concludes with claims particularlypointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which isregarded as forming the present invention, it is believed that theinvention will be better understood from the following description whichis taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which likedesignations are used to designate substantially identical elements, andin which:

[0013]FIG. 1 is a plan view of a disposable absorbent article accordingto the present invention.

[0014]FIG. 2a is a plan view of a disposable absorbent article accordingto the present invention including externally visible serviceableindicia disposed on the garment-facing surface of the article.

[0015]FIG. 2b is a three dimensional front view of the disposableabsorbent article depicted in FIG. 2a showing the first waist regionattached to the second waist region.

[0016]FIG. 2c is a three dimensional side view of the disposableabsorbent article depicted in FIG. 2a showing the first waist regionattached to the second waist region.

[0017]FIG. 2d is a three dimensional rear view of the disposableabsorbent article depicted in FIG. 2a showing the first waist regionattached to the second waist region.

[0018]FIG. 3 is a plan view of a disposable absorbent article accordingto the present invention including externally visible serviceableindicia in the rear waist region providing a contoured pattern.

[0019]FIG. 4 is a plan view of a disposable absorbent article accordingto the present invention including externally visible serviceableindicia in the rear waist region providing a contoured patterncomplementing the shape of the core.

[0020]FIG. 5 is a plan view of the disposable absorbent article depictedin FIG. 2a including instructional serviceable indicia providingguidance or instruction to the caregiver relative to tightness of fit ofthe article about the wearer.

[0021]FIG. 6 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of the disposableabsorbent article according to the present invention includinginternally visible serviceable indicia.

[0022]FIG. 7 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of the disposableabsorbent article according to the present invention including aninternally visible serviceable indicium, which is both colored and3-dimensional.

[0023]FIG. 8 shows the disposable absorbent article depicted in FIG. 7being fitted to a wearer.

[0024]FIG. 9 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of the disposableabsorbent article according to the present invention including anelastically foreshortened topsheet and a slit opening with visibleserviceable indicia highlighting the first waist region of the articlewith a smooth curved transition towards the back.

[0025]FIG. 10 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of thedisposable absorbent article according to the present inventionincluding an elastically foreshortened topsheet and a slit opening withvisible serviceable indicia highlighting the crotch region of thearticle.

[0026]FIG. 11 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of thedisposable absorbent article according to the present inventionincluding an elastically foreshortened topsheet and a slit opening withvisible serviceable indicia highlighting crotch region of the articleand the position of the slit opening.

[0027]FIG. 12 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of thedisposable absorbent article according to the present inventionincluding an elastically foreshortened topsheet and a slit opening withvisible serviceable indicia highlighting the first waist region of thearticle.

[0028]FIG. 13 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of thedisposable absorbent article depicted in FIG. 12 with visibleserviceable indicia providing patterns to create a smooth transitionbetween the first waist region and the second waist region of thearticle.

[0029]FIG. 14 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of thedisposable absorbent article according to the present inventionincluding an elastically foreshortened topsheet and a slit opening withvisible serviceable indicia highlighting the slit area and a targeturination zone in the first waist region.

[0030]FIG. 15 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of thedisposable absorbent article according to the present inventionincluding an elastically foreshortened topsheet and a slit opening withvisible serviceable indicia comprising two different patterns whereinthe outer pattern aids in longitudinal positioning of the article andthe inner pattern highlights the slit opening.

[0031]FIG. 16 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of thedisposable absorbent article according to the present inventionincluding an elastically foreshortened topsheet and a slit opening withvisible serviceable indicia highlighting the first and second waistregions and the target zone for the anus relative to the slit opening.

[0032]FIG. 17 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of thedisposable absorbent article according to the present inventionincluding an elastically foreshortened topsheet and a slit opening withvisible serviceable indicia highlighting elasticity and positioning ofthe slit opening.

[0033]FIG. 18 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of thedisposable absorbent article according to the present inventionincluding an elastically foreshortened topsheet and a slit opening withvisible serviceable indicia highlighting the crotch area, the slitopening and a target urination zone in the first waist region of thearticle.

[0034]FIG. 19 is a plan view of a diaper including instructionalserviceable indicia on the first and second landing members of thefastening system denoting a first fit and a second fit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] While this specification concludes with claims particularlypointing out and distinctly claiming that which is regarded as theinvention, it is anticipated that the invention can be more readilyunderstood through reading the following detailed description of theinvention and study of the included drawings.

[0036] The present invention provides a disposable absorbent articleworn about the lower torso of a wearer including at least oneserviceable indicium that facilitates an easy intuitive change. Theserviceable indicium is disposed in distinct areas of the article andincludes features and/or characteristics signaling to a caregiver and/orwearer how to achieve a proper fit. The wearable article may beapplicable to disposable absorbent articles including training pants,incontinence briefs, incontinence undergarments, inserts for disposableor durable diapers or other garments and the like. One embodiment of anabsorbent article of the present invention is a unitary disposableabsorbent article, such as the disposable diaper 20, shown in FIG. 1.

[0037] Definitions

[0038] As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

[0039] “Absorbent article” refers to devices that absorb and containliquid, and more specifically, refers to devices that are placed againstor in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and contain thevarious exudates discharged from the body.

[0040] “Longitudinal” is a direction running parallel to the maximumlinear dimension of the article and includes directions within ±45° ofthe longitudinal direction.

[0041] The “lateral” or “transverse” direction is orthogonal to thelongitudinal direction and is essentially in the plane of the articlewhen the article is in a flat stretched out position.

[0042] The “Z-direction” is orthogonal to both the longitudinal andtransverse directions.

[0043] The “x-y plane refers to the plane congruent with thelongitudinal and transverse directions.

[0044] The term “disposable” is used herein to describe absorbentarticles that generally are not intended to be laundered or otherwiserestored or reused as an absorbent article (i.e., they are intended tobe discarded after a single use and, preferably, to be recycled,composted or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatiblemanner).

[0045] As used herein, the term “disposed” is used to mean that anelement(s) is formed (joined and positioned) in a particular place orposition as a unitary structure with other elements or as a separateelement joined to another element.

[0046] As used herein, the term “joined” encompasses configurationswhereby an element is directly secured to another element by affixingthe element directly to the other element, and configurations whereby anelement is indirectly secured to another element by affixing the elementto intermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the otherelement.

[0047] A “unitary” absorbent article refers to absorbent articles whichare formed of separate parts united together to form a coordinatedentity so that they do not require separate manipulative parts like aseparate holder and liner.

[0048] As used herein, the term “diaper” refers to an absorbent articlegenerally worn by infants and incontinent persons about the lower torso.

[0049] As used herein, the term “complement” refers to filling in orcompleting such as by overlapping, matching, or aligning therewith;contextually relating, or highlighting.

[0050] As used herein, the term “body-facing surface” generally refersto a surface oriented towards the body when fitted to a wearer.

[0051] As used herein, the term “garment-facing surface” generallyrefers to a surface oriented opposite the body-facing surface whenfitted to a wearer.

[0052] As used herein, the term “serviceable indicium or indicia”generally refers to distinctive marks, colored regions, patterns, and/ortextures disposed on a disposable absorbent article to provide afunctional attribute. Particularly, the functional attribute includesproviding a visual indication that facilitates an easy intuitive changeof the disposable absorbent article during fitting.

[0053] As used herein, the term “externally visible”, as used inreference to an indicium associated with an article, refers to theability of a human viewer to visually discern the indicium with theunaided eye (excepting standard corrective lenses adapted to compensatefor near-sightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism) in standardlighting conditions from a point of reference viewing the garment-facingsurface of the article while the article is held in a configurationwherein the garment-facing surface is within the field of view.

[0054] As used herein, the term “internally visible”, as used inreference to an indicium associated with an article, refers to theability of a human viewer to visually discern the indicium with theunaided eye (excepting standard corrective lenses adapted to compensatefor nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism) in standardlighting conditions from a point of reference viewing the body-facingsurface of the article while the article is held in a configurationwherein the body-facing surface is within the field of view.

[0055] As used herein, “standard lighting conditions” refer to lightingconditions in which human vision operates efficiently (e.g., the humaneye is able to discern complex patterns, shading, and colors).Specifically, for the purposes of describing this invention, standardlighting conditions are at least one of the following:

[0056] a) natural illumination as experienced outdoors during daylighthours,

[0057] b) the illumination of a standard 100 watt incandescent whitelight bulb at a distance of 2 meters, or

[0058] c) as defined by CIE D65 standard illuminate lighting at 800 luxto a 1964 CIE standard observer.

[0059] As used herein, an “anatomic feature” of a wearer may include anyexternally discernible portion of the wearer's anatomy specific to acertain definable region and/or function. Exemplary anatomic features ofhuman bodies include, without limitation, waste exit ports such as theanus, genitalia, the perineal region, the gluteal groove, leg creases,the navel, buttocks, hip and/or pubic bones, the thighs, the rib cage,and the like.

[0060]FIG. 1 is a plan view of the diaper 20 in its flat out,uncontracted state (i.e., without elastic induced contraction) withportions of the structure being cut away to more clearly show theunderlying structure of the diaper 20 and with the body-facing portionof the diaper 20 which contacts the wearer facing the viewer. The diaper20 includes a longitudinal axis 100 and a lateral or transverse axis110, a first end edge 10 and a second end edge 12 connected bylongitudinally extending side edges. A longitudinal side edge refers toan edge oriented ±45° from the longitudinal axis 100 and includesrectilinear and curvilinear side edges. One end portion of the diaper 20is configured as a first waist region 36 of the diaper 20. The oppositeend portion is configured as a second waist region 38 of the diaper 20.An intermediate portion of the diaper 20 is configured as a crotchregion 37, which extends longitudinally between the first and secondwaist regions 36 and 38. The waist regions 36 and 38 generally comprisethose portions of the diaper 20 which, when worm, encircle the waist ofthe wearer. Therefore, the first waist region 36 and the second waistregion 38 are commonly referred to as the front waist region and theback waist region, respectively, to correspond to orientation of thediaper 20 relative to the wearer's body during fit. The waist regions 36and 38 may include elastic elements such that they gather about thewaist of the wearer to provide improved fit and containment. The crotchregion 37 is that portion of the diaper 20 which, when the diaper 20 isworn, is generally positioned between the legs of the wearer.

[0061] The chassis 22 of the diaper 20 comprises the main body of thediaper 20. The chassis 22 comprises an outer covering including a liquidpervious topsheet 24 and/or a liquid impervious backsheet 26 and atleast a portion of an absorbent core 28 encased between the topsheet 24and the backsheet 26. For unitary absorbent articles, the chassis 22comprises the main structure of the diaper 20 with other features addedto form the composite diaper structure. While the topsheet 24, thebacksheet 26, and the absorbent core 28 may be assembled in a variety ofwell-known configurations, preferred diaper configurations are describedgenerally in U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003 entitled “Contractible SidePortions for Disposable Diaper” issued to Kenneth B. Buell on Jan. 14,1975; U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,092 issued to Buell on Sep. 9, 1992; and U.S.Pat. No. 5,221,274 issued to Buell on June 22, 1993; and U.S. Pat. No.5,554,145 entitled “Absorbent Article With Multiple Zone StructuralElastic-Like Film Web Extensible Waist Feature” issued to Roe et al. onSep. 10, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,234 entitled “Disposable Pull-OnPant” issued to Buell et al. on Oct. 29, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,411entitled “Zero Scrap Method For Manufacturing Side Panels For AbsorbentArticles” issued to Nease, et al. on Dec. 3, 1996; and U.S. Pat. No.6,004,306 entitled “Absorbent Article With Multi-Directional ExtensibleSide Panels” issued to Robles et al. on Dec. 21, 1999; each of which isincorporated herein by reference.

[0062] The topsheet 24 may be fully or partially elasticized or may beforeshortened so as to provide a void space between the topsheet 24 andthe core 28. Exemplary structures including elasticized or foreshortenedtopsheets are described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,892,536 issuedto DesMarais et al. on Jan. 9, 1990 entitled “Absorbent Article HavingElastic Strands”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,990,147 issued to Freeland on Feb. 5,1991 entitled “Absorbent Article With Elastic Liner For Waste MaterialIsolation”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,037,416 issued to Allen et al. on Aug. 6,1991 entitled “Disposable Absorbent Article Having ElasticallyExtensible Topsheef”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,775 issued to Freeland etal. on Dec. 14, 1993 entitled “Trisection Topsheets For DisposableAbsorbent Articles and Disposable Absorbent Articles Having SuchTrisection Topsheets”; each of which is incorporated by referenceherein. Further preferred embodiments of elasticized or foreshortenedtopsheets are described in detail in co-pending European PatentApplication No. 01117670 filed July 26, 2001 and copending EuropeanPatent Application No. 01117669 filed July 26, 2001 each of which isincorporated by reference herein.

[0063] The absorbent core 28 may comprise any absorbent material that isgenerally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer'sskin, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids such as urine andother certain body exudates. The absorbent core 28 may comprise a widevariety of liquid-absorbent materials commonly used in disposablediapers and other absorbent articles such as comminuted wood pulp, whichis generally referred to as air felt Examples of other suitableabsorbent materials include creped cellulose wadding; melt blownpolymers, including co-form; chemically stiffened, modified orcross-linked cellulosic fibers; tissue, including tissue wraps andtissue laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbentpolymers; absorbent gelling materials; or any other known absorbentmaterial or combinations of materials.

[0064] The backsheet 26 is generally that portion of the diaper 20positioned adjacent the garment-facing surface of the absorbent core 28.Backsheet 26 prevents the exudates absorbed and contained therein fromsoiling articles that may contact the diaper 20, such as bed sheets andundergarments. In preferred embodiments, the backsheet 26 issubstantially impervious to liquids (e.g., urine) and comprises alaminate of a nonwoven and a thin plastic film such as a thermoplasticfilm having a thickness of about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm(2.0 mils). Suitable backsheet films include those manufactured byTredegar Industries Inc. of Terre Haute, Ind. and sold under the tradenames X15306, X10962, and X10964. Other suitable backsheet materials mayinclude breathable materials that permit vapors to escape from thediaper 20 while still preventing exudates from passing through thebacksheet 26. Exemplary breathable materials may include materials suchas woven webs, nonwoven webs, composite materials such as film-coatednonwoven webs, and microporous films such as manufactured by MitsuiToatsu Co., of Japan under the designation ESPOIR NO and by Tredegar, ofRichmond, Va. Suitable breathable composite materials comprising polymerblends are available from Clopay Corporation, Cincinnati, Ohio under thename HYTREL blend P1 8-3097.

[0065] The diaper 20 may include a fastening system 50 such as a hookand loop type fastener including at least one engaging component (malefastening component) and at least one landing zone (female fasteningcomponent). Alternatively, the fastening system 50 may include a tab andslot type fastener wherein the tab member includes a retaining elementthat interlocks with an opening such as a slit, slot, or loop.

[0066] The diaper 20 may also include side panels, referred to herein asfirst ear panels 30, disposed in the second waist region 38. The firstear panels 30 may be integral with the chassis 22 comprising extensionsof a unibody chassis design or alternatively, the first ear panels 30may comprise separate members attached to the chassis 22 usingadhesives, ultrasonic bonds, radio frequency bonds, or other suitablemeans. The first ear panels 30 may be elastic or extensible to provide acomfortable and contoured fit by initially conformably fitting thediaper 20 to the wearer and sustaining this fit throughout the time ofwear well past when the diaper 20 has been loaded with exudates sincethe elasticized first ear panels 30 allow the sides of the diaper 20 toexpand and contract. The first ear panels 30 may also provide moreeffective application of the diaper 20 because even if the caregiverpulls one elasticized first ear panel 30 farther than the other duringapplication, the diaper 20 will “self-adjust” during wear. Examples ofdiapers with elasticized first ear panels are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,857,067, entitled “Disposable Diaper Having Shirred Ears” issued toWood, et al. on Aug. 15, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 4,381,781 issued toSciaraffa, et al. on May 3, 1983; U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,753 issued to VanGompel, et al. on July 3, 1990; the herein before referenced U.S. Pat.No. 5,151,092 issued to Buell on Sep. 9, 1992; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,274 issued to Buell on June 22, 1993; U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,897 issuedto LaVon, et al. on Sep. 23, 1997 entitled “Absorbent Articles ProvidingSustained Dynamic Fit”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/155,048entitled “Absorbent Article With Multi-Directional Extensible SidePanels” filed Nov. 19, 1993 in the names of Robles, et al.; each ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

[0067] The diaper 20 can also include side panels, referred to as secondear panels 40, disposed in the first waist region 36. Similar to thefirst ear panels 30, the second ear panels 40 may be integral with thechassis 22 comprising extensions of a unibody chassis design oralternatively, the second ear panels 40 may comprise separate membersattached to the chassis 22 using adhesives, ultrasonic bonds, radiofrequency bonds, or other suitable means. The first and second earpanels 30, 40 may be constructed in any suitable configurationaccommodating a particular product design.

[0068] An exemplary disposable absorbent article including serviceableindicia for facilitating an easy, intuitive change according to thepresent invention is the disposable diaper 20 shown in FIGS. 2a-2 d. Thedisposable diaper 20 includes at least one externally visibleserviceable indicium 60 that is observable along at least portions ofthe garment-facing surface of the article proximate the longitudinalside edges 14 in at least the crotch region 37 and also at least oneexternally visible serviceable indicium 60 along portions of thegarment-facing surface of the article proximate the first and second endedges 10, 12 in the first and second waist regions 36, 38, respectively.In each portion, the serviceable indicia are externally visible so as todistinguish portions of the garment facing surface of the articleproximate the longitudinal side edges 14 and first and second end edges10, 12 from a portion of the garment-facing surface of the articleproximate the center of the article defined by an intersection of thelongitudinal and transverse axes 100, 110. The externally visibleserviceable indicia 60 may be disposed directly on the garment-facingsurface of the backsheet 26, on the surface of the backsheet 26 oppositethe garment-facing surface adjacent to the core 28, on one of thecomponents of the backsheet 26, or beneath the backsheet 26 onunderlying layers so long as the indicia are externally visible. Theexternally visible serviceable indicia 60 may comprise a separateelement affixed to a component of the article or may comprise acolorant, such as a dye or ink, applied to a component of the article.In addition, the externally visible serviceable indicia 60 may include acolor, a pattern, and/or a texture that distinguish the designatedportions from the center portion of the article.

[0069] For externally visible serviceable indicia comprising a pattern,the pattern may be in the form of a series of shapes and/or images. Forexample, the pattern may be formed of one or more dots, one or morelines, one or more regular or irregular shapes (such as circles,ellipses, diamonds, squares, and the like), or combinations thereofAlternatively, a pattern may be in the form of a variation of coloralong a length of the serviceable indicia. For example, the color mayvary from light to dark or from one hue to another. Images may includedrawings of characters or objects readily recognizable to children.

[0070] For serviceable indicia comprising texture, portions of thebacksheet 26 may be mechanically treated to provide texture by methodsknown in the art, including mechanical operations, such as pleating,corrugating, or ring rolling to provide folds that are able to open whenthe backsheet 26 is extended in a direction generally orthogonal to thepleats or folds. In addition to providing texture, these mechanicaloperations may also provide extensibility. Suitable processes for ringrolling or pre-corrugating, including extensible webs made thereby, aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,107,364 issued to Sisson on Aug. 15, 1978;U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,741 issued to Sabee on May 30, 1989; U.S. Pat. No.5,167,897 issued to Weber et al. on Dec. 1, 1992, and U.S. Pat. No.5,702,382 issued to Osbom, III et al. on Dec. 30, 1997, each of whichare hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0071] Alternatively, serviceable indicia comprising texture may beaccomplished by forming a strainable network having at least twocontiguous, distinct, and dissimilar regions. Films thus formed have inthe past been termed structural elastic-like films (“SELF”). Astructural elastic-like film or web is an extensible material that canexhibit an elastic-like behavior in the direction of elongation withoutthe use of added elastic materials. However, SELF webs can be made whichexhibit little elastic behavior. In particular, webs comprising alaminate of films and nonwovens can be made which exhibit little elasticbehavior beyond very low levels of strain.

[0072] Serviceable indicia comprising SELF suitable for the presentinvention, and methods of forming SELF webs suitable for use asbacksheets 26, are more completely described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,518,801entitled Web Materials Exhibiting Elastic-Like Behavior, issued toChappell, et, al. on May 21, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,650,214 entitled WebMaterials Exhibiting Elastic-Like Behavior and Soft, Cloth-like Texture,issued to Anderson et al. on July 22, 1997; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,904,673entitled Absorbent Article with Structural Elastic-like Film Web WaistBelt, issued to Roe et al. on May 18, 1999, all of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference. For film/nonwoven laminate backsheets,the processes described in the above-mentioned patents can be performedon the laminate material, or on the separate components prior tolamination, or both.

[0073] For the embodiment shown in FIG. 2a, the first ear panels 30disposed along each of the longitudinal side edges 14 in the secondwaist region 38, include a body-facing surface and a garment-facingsurface, a proximal edge 32 joined to the longitudinal side edge 14 anda distal edge 34 opposite the proximal edge 32. At least a portion ofeach of the first ear panels 30 includes at least one externally visibleserviceable indicium 60 complementing the externally visible serviceableindicia 60 disposed on the garment-facing surface of the articleproximate the first end edge 10, the second end edge 12 and/or proximatethe longitudinal side edges 14. Like the externally visible serviceableindicia 60 externally observable on the garment-facing surface of thearticle, the at least one externally visible serviceable indicium 60 onthe first ear panels 30 are also externally visible as described above.

[0074] Once the article is fitted to the wearer, the externally visibleserviceable indicium 60 on the garment-facing surface of the first earpanels 30 and the externally visible serviceable indicium 60 on theportion of garment-facing surface of the article near the first end edge10 facilitate as well as accentuate the fastening system 50 by forming acomposite substantially aligned indicium appearing, in one non-limitingembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2b-2 d, as a band encircling the waistof the wearer. Alternatively, the externally visible serviceable indicia60 form a partially overlapping or aligned composite indicium as thearticle is fitted to a wearer. At the same time, the externally visibleserviceable indicia 60 disposed on the portions of the garment-facingsurface of the article along the longitudinal side edges 14 encircle thelegs of the wearer in a substantially overlapping and aligned manner,forming a composite substantially aligned indicium appearing, forexample, as a continuous band around each of the wearer's legs asillustrated in FIG. 2c.

[0075] For this embodiment, the externally visible serviceable indicia60 on portions of the garment-facing surface of the article proximatethe longitudinal side edges 14 and the externally visible serviceableindicia 60 proximate the first and second end edges 10, 12 can be madeto form a contoured pattern that distinguishes the first waist region 36from the second waist region 38. At the same time, the contoured patterncan be made to complement the wearer's anatomy. For instance, thecontoured pattern for the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is curvilinear suchthat the pattern in the second waist region 38 and a portion of thecrotch region 37 is concave relative to the intersection of thelongitudinal and transverse axes 100, 110. Such concave curvilinearpattern can be made to complement the wearer's buttocks. Alternativelyor else in addition to the pattern in the second waist region 38, thepattern in the first waist region 36 and a portion of the crotch region37 can be convex relative to the intersection of the longitudinal andtransverse axes 100, 110 as shown in FIG. 2a. Such convex pattern,particularly the pattern proximate the first end edge 10, can complementthe shape of the wearer's belly.

[0076] In addition to accommodating the fastening system 50 andparticularly the fit of the diaper 20, the contoured pattern formed bythe externally visible serviceable indicia 60 can be made to accentuateother features of the disposable absorbent article such as the absorbentcore, the gasketing leg cuffs, or the barrier leg cuffs. For instance,the absorbent core 28 may have an hourglass shape design having a narrowportion in the crotch region 37 to improve the overall fit of the diaper20. Additionally, the core 28 may comprise one or more rounded orotherwise shaped ends. As shown in FIG. 4, the contoured shape formed byone or more externally visible serviceable indicia 60 may complement orhighlight the actual core shape or an idealized core shape (e.g., suchas an idealized core shape having rounded ends on a diaper having a corewith rectangular ends as illustrated in FIG. 4), making it moreappealing to the consumer. In addition, the contoured pattern matchingthe core shape can provide a visual signal indicating proper alignmentof the diaper 20 with respect to the wearer's lower torso, i.e., in thelateral direction, enhancing the fit of the diaper 20 in the wearer'scrotch region 37, thus improving the overall performance of the diaper20. On the other hand, the contoured pattern disposed on thegarment-facing surface of the article may align with the barrier cuffsor gasketing leg cuffs disposed on the body-facing surface of thedisposable absorbent article, accenting the articles ability to preventleakage. In some of these embodiments, only externally visibleserviceable indicia 60 proximate the longitudinal side edges 14 and/orproximate one of the end edges 10, 12, e.g., the second end edge 12proximate the second waist region 38, may be required to accentuate theabsorbent core 28 and facilitate lateral alignment of the article withrespect to the wearer's anatomy.

[0077] In certain embodiments, the externally visible serviceableindicia 60 may be sufficiently opaque, or have a sufficiently darkcolor, to additionally provide a masking benefit, effectively preventingvisual detection of a layer, material, or substance underlying theserviceable indicia. For example, the externally visible serviceableindicia 60 proximate the longitudinal side edges 14 of a diaper 20 mayhave an opacity such that feces and/or portions of the absorbent core 28that may be present under the region of the backsheet 26 proximate thelongitudinal side edges 14 of the diaper 20 are not visible from outsidethe diaper 20.

[0078] In certain preferred embodiments, disposable absorbent articlecan include instructional serviceable indicia 70 providing guidance orinstruction to the caregiver relative to the tightness of fit of thearticle about the wearer. In particular, the instructional serviceableindicia 70 can indicate to the caregiver whether to adjust the fit orswitch to a different size diaper in which proper fit can be obtained.For example, instructional serviceable indicia 70 can be disposed on thegarment facing surface of the article matching instructional serviceableindicia 70 on the garment facing surface of the first ear panels 30 toprovide an indication that the first ear panels 30 either do notsufficiently overlap the first waist region 36 indicating a loose fit,or overlap the first waist region 36 too far indicating an uncomfortablytight fit. In particular, too little an overlap may result in overlyloose leg fit while too great an overlap may result in overly tight legfit. Preferably, the instructional serviceable indicia 70 are disposedproximate the longitudinal side edges 14 of the article for at least aportion of the longitudinal side edge 14 and proximate the inner edge 35of the first ear panel 30 for at least a portion of the inner edge 35 asshown in FIG. 5. The instructional serviceable indicia 70 providingguidance or instruction to the caregiver relative to the tightness offit may include dots, graphics of characters, numbers, line segments,and/or patterns.

[0079] In an alternate non-limiting embodiment, the disposable absorbentarticle has a body-facing surface including portions thereof having atleast one internally visible serviceable indicium 80. The internallyvisible serviceable indicium 80 may facilitate an easy, intuitive changeby providing a guide for aligning the wearer with the article duringfitting so that in turn the wearer is accurately placed on the articlefor fastening, requiring minimal adjustment.

[0080] In certain non-limiting embodiments, the internally visibleserviceable indicia 80 can be disposed on the body-facing surface of thearticle to facilitate the placement or alignment of the article, or acomponent thereof, with respect to the lateral axis 110 and/orlongitudinal axis 100 of the article with an anatomic feature of thewearer. For instance, the topsheet 24 of the article may comprise aninternally visible serviceable indicium 80, such as a mark in the crotchregion 37, that, when aligned to the anus, results in improved fit andwaste containment performance of the article. In an embodiment shown inFIG. 6, the internally visible serviceable indicium 80 is visible on thebody-facing side of diaper 20 identifying the crotch area to aid inlongitudinal positioning. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, theinternally visible serviceable indicium 80 is colored and includes athree dimensional contour to facilitate alignment of the article withthe wearer during fitting as shown in FIG. 8.

[0081] Similar to the embodiments including externally visibleserviceable indicia 60, the internally visible serviceable indicia 80may include a color, a pattern, and/or a texture that distinguish thedesignated portions of the body-facing surface of the article from otherregions of the body-facing surface not comprising the internally visibleserviceable indicia 80. The internally visible serviceable indicia 80may be associated with any portion or component of the article visibleon or through the body-contacting surface of the article, including thetopsheet 24, the absorbent core 28 or portions thereof, the fasteningsystem 50, the topsheet 24, and the backsheet 26. In additionalembodiments, the internally visible serviceable indicia 80 may bedisposed proximate the longitudinal side edges 14 and proximate thefirst and second end edges 10, 12 of the article to provide a contouredpattern distinguishing the first waist region 36 from the second waistregion 38. The contoured pattern can be made to complement the wearer'sanatomy indicating to the caregiver where to place the wearer duringfitting. For instance, internally visible serviceable indicia 80 canform a curvilinear pattern such that the pattern in the second waistregion 38 is concave relative to the longitudinal and transverse axes100, 110 in order to match the contours of the wearer buttocks. Thepattern in the first waist region 36 can also be curvilinear relative tothe longitudinal and transverse axes 100, 110 or else linear, but ineither case, contoured to match the sides of the wearer's lower back. Asa result, the contoured pattern can be produced to provide an imprint ofa wearer's lower back and buttocks region on the body-facing surface ofthe article directing the caregiver where to place the wearer duringfitting.

[0082] As described above for externally visible serviceable indicia 60,the internally visible serviceable indicia 80 may be disposed on thebody-facing surface of the topsheet 24 or beneath the topsheet 24 aslong as it is visible from the body-facing surface. In addition, theinternally visible serviceable indicia 80 can have different colors,color patterns, gradient patterns, or textures used in order tocommunicate softness of the article towards the body and also providesome opacity sufficient to mask any underlying layer or material,thereby preventing the visual discernment of the layer, material, orsubstance through the serviceable indicia.

[0083] In some preferred embodiments comprising an elasticallyforeshortened topsheet 24 having a hole or slit 90 adapted to allowfeces to pass to the underside of the topsheet 24, such as thosedescribed above and in detail in copending Patent Application No.01117670 filed July 26, 2001 and copending European Patent ApplicationNo. 01117669 filed July 26, 2001, the internally visible serviceableindicia 80 on the body-facing surface of the article may facilitatealignment of the hole or slit 90 with the anus and/or gluteal groove. Inthese embodiments, the internally visible serviceable indicia 80 maycomprise colored regions on the body-facing surface of the article alongthe longitudinal and/or lateral edges of the hole or slit 90.

[0084] In an embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the diaper 20 includes anelastically foreshortened topsheet 24 having a hole 90 adapted to allowfeces to pass to the underside of the topsheet 24.In this particularembodiment, the internally visible serviceable indicium 80 highlightsthe front region of the article with a smooth curved transition towardsthe back aiming at better positioning of the article in the longitudinaldirection. in addition, the curvature of the colored indicia in the backprovides for improved transverse positioning of the hole 90 in relationto the anus. The embodiment shown in FIG. 10 is similar to theembodiment in FIG. 9 in that the internally visible serviceable indicia80 identifies the crotch area of the article and also aids inpositioning of the hole 90 in the topsheet 24 relative to the anus.

[0085] Other diaper embodiments including internally visible serviceableindicia 80 for aligning the hole or slit 90 in an elasticized topsheet24 with the anus of the wearer are shown in FIGS. 11-18. For theembodiment shown in FIG. 11, a diaper 20 comprising an elasticallyforeshortened topsheet 24 includes internally visible serviceableindicia 80 identifying the crotch area of the diaper 20 and also theposition of the hole 90 in the topsheet 24 relative to the anus.

[0086]FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment of internally visibleserviceable indicia 80 on the body-facing side of an article having anelastically foreshortened topsheet 24 with the internally visibleindicia identifying the front waist region of the diaper 20 andhighlighting a target urination zone 95 therein that is particularlyapplicable for male wearers. FIG. 13 shows an embodiment similar to theembodiment in FIG. 12, with a gradient color and patterns to create asmoother transition between front and back of the article. A furtherembodiment is shown in FIG. 14, where internally visible serviceableindicium 80 on the body-facing side of the article highlights the slitarea 90 while the internally visible serviceable indicium 80 in thefront waist area highlights the target urination zone 95, thecombination of which facilitates alignment of the article relative tothe wearers anus and gentiles during fitting.

[0087] The embodiment shown in FIG. 15 provides two different internallyvisible serviceable indicia 80, an outer indicium identifying the crotchregion 37 and aiding in longitudinal positioning of the article and aninner indicium identifying the position of the slit or hole 90 in theelastically foreshortened topsheet 24 and aiding in positioning of theslit or hole 90 relative to the anus. In the embodiment shown in FIG.16, the internally visible serviceable indicia 80 indicate the front andback waist areas and also highlight the target zone therebetween for theanus relative to the elasticated slit area.

[0088] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the internally visibleserviceable indicia 80 on the body-facing side of an elasticallyforeshortened topsheet 24 comprise curved colored elastics to highlightthe elasticity and the positioning of the hole 90 with respect to theanus. In addition, the stripe pattern underneath the topsheet 24highlights the passage area for feces.

[0089]FIG. 18 shows an alternative embodiment of a combination ofdifferent internally visible serviceable indicia 80 which highlight thecrotch area to allow better longitudinal positioning of the diaper 20,indicate the target urination zone 95 in the front waist region, andhighlight the slit or hole 90 disposed in the elastically foreshortenedtopsheet 24 providing alignment relative to the anus. The internallyvisible serviceable indicia 80 highlighting the slit or hole 90 can alsoprovide masking of feces discharged by the wearer once it has passedthrough the hole 90.

[0090] In addition to the internally visible serviceable indicia 80, thediaper 20 may include a pair of barrier leg cuffs and a pair ofelastically contractible gasketing leg cuffs. Each of the gasketing legcuffs is disposed outside of a barrier leg cuff, adjacent to thelongitudinal side edge. The barrier leg cuffs and the gasketing legcuffs may be tinted a color complementing the pattern or color of theinternally visible serviceable indicia 80 on the topsheet 24 providingan additional guide for aligning the article with the wearer's lowertorso during fitting.

[0091] In addition, each of the gasketing leg cuffs may comprise one ormore elastic strands covered by a portion of the longitudinal side edgeof the backsheet 26 that is folded over the one or more elastic strandsto form a finished gasketing leg cuff For this embodiment, thegarment-facing surface of the article may include serviceable indiciaforming a pattern as previously described such that once thelongitudinal side of the backsheet 26 is folded over the elastic strandsforming the finished cuffs, the finished leg cuffs may include theserviceable indicia on the body-facing surface of the diaper 20.

[0092] In addition to the features described above, the disposableabsorbent article according to the present invention may include afastening system 50 designed to facilitate an easy intuitive change. Anexample of an embodiment including such a fastening system 50 is shownin FIG. 19. For this embodiment, the fastening system 50 releasablyattaches the first waist region 36 to the second waist region 38 andprovides a first fit and a second fit. The first fit provides a loosefit enabling the article to be maneuvered about the wearer's lower torsoduring fitting and the second fit provides a secure fit about thewearer's waist. For instance, during the first fit, the diaper 20 may befitted loosely around the wearer's ankles while standing and then pulledup around the wearer's waist and tightly secured by the second fit. Thefastening system 50 includes primary and secondary landing members 52,54 corresponding to the first fit and the second fit. In addition to theinstructional serviceable indicia 70 previously described for providingguidance or instruction to the caregiver relative to the tightness offit, the primary and secondary landing members 52, 54 can includeinstructional serviceable indicium 70 providing instruction to thecaregiver corresponding to the first fit and the second fit.

[0093] For this embodiment, the fastening system 50 may include a hookand loop type fastener including at least one engaging component (malefastening component) and at least two landing zones (female fasteningcomponents). In this case, the two landing zones provide the primary andsecondary landing members 52, 54. Alternatively, the fastener mayinclude a tab and slot type fastener wherein the tab member includes aretaining element that interlocks with an opening such as a slit, slot,or loop as disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,251,097 issuedto Kline, et al. incorporated herein by reference. For this embodimentthe tab and slot fastener comprises at least two slit, slot, or loopopenings providing the primary and secondary landing members 52, 54. Fortab and slot type fasteners, primary and secondary landing members 52,54 are separated by a distance. For hook and loop type fasteners, theprimary and secondary landing members 52, 54 may be separated by adistance or else contiguous.

[0094] The instructional serviceable indicia 70 disposed on the landingmembers include instructions designating matching connections betweenthe tab members and first or second landing members 52, 54. Theinstructions might include graphics of characters illustrating theorientation and/or configuration of the diaper 20 during the first fitand the second fit. For instance, a graphic might illustrate a loosefitting diaper fitted about the waist of the character during the firstfit and a tight fitting diaper secured about the waist of the characterduring the second fit.

[0095] Instructional serviceable indicia 70 disposed on the first andsecond landing members may be particularly useful where the diaperincludes the versatility of being fitted to the wearer while the weareris standing or lying down. For such an embodiment, the first fit maycomprise fitting the diaper to the wearer while the wearer is standingin which case the diaper is fitted around the wearers ankles byattaching the tabs to the first landing members and then pulled uparound the lower torso of the wearer. Once the diaper is positionedaround the lower torso, the diaper may be adjusted to achieve the secondfit by removing the tabs from the first landing members and engagingthem with the second landing members. For this embodiment, the graphicon the first landing member may include a character wearing a diaperaround its ankles while the graphic on the second landing memberincludes a character wearing a diaper secured about its waist.

[0096] In addition to graphics, the instructional serviceable indicia 70may also comprise words such as “ankles” and “waist” associated with theposition of the article during the first fit and the second fit or theymay designate the type of fit such as “loose” and “snug”. Also, theinstructional marks may comprise numbers such as one “1” and two “2”designating the first and second fits, respectively.

[0097] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, the fastening system 50includes two tab members 56. Each tab member 56 has a tab proximal edge57 disposed at the distal edge 34 of each of the first ear panels 30, atab distal edge 58, a tab body-facing surface, and a tab garment-facingsurface. Each tab member 56 includes fastening elements disposedproximate the tab distal edge 58. Second ear panels 40 are disposedalong each longitudinal side edge 14 in the first waist region 36. Eachsecond ear panel has a body-facing surface and a garment-facing surface,a proximal edge 42 joined to the longitudinal side edge 14 and a distaledge 44 opposite the proximal edge 42. A primary landing member 52 isdisposed on the garment-facing surface of each of the second ear panels40. The secondary landing member 54 is disposed on the garment-facingsurface of the article in the first waist region 36. During fasteningthe primary landing member 52 provides a first fastening point whereinonce the tab member 56 is engaged a first fit is achieved. The first fitprovides a loose fit about the wearer enabling the diaper to bemaneuvered about to achieve an effective orientation for wear. Thesecond landing member 54 provides a second fastening point for achievinga second fit where the article is tightly secured about the waist of thewearer. For this embodiment the instructional serviceable indiciacomprise graphics. The graphic on the first landing member 52 includes acharacter wearing a diaper around its ankles while the graphic on thesecond landing member 54 includes a character wearing a diaper securedabout its waist.

[0098] While particular embodiments and/or individual features of thepresent invention have been illustrated and described, it would beobvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes andmodifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention. Further, it should be apparent that all combinations ofsuch embodiments and features are possible and can result in preferredexecutions of the invention. Therefore, the appended claims are intendedto cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope ofthis invention. Table of elements identified in drawings first end edge10 second end edge 12 longitudinal side edges 14 diaper 20 chassis 22topsheet 24 backsheet 26 absorbent core 28 first ear panels 30 first earpanel proximal edge 32 first ear panel distal edge 34 first waist region36 first ear panel inner edge 35 crotch region 37 second waist region 38second ear panels 40 second ear panel proximal 42 edge second ear paneldistal edge 44 fastening system 50 primary landing member 52 secondarylanding member 54 tab member 56 tab proximal edge 57 tab distal edge 58externally visible serviceable 60 indicium instructional serviceable 70indicium internally visible serviceable 80 indicium hole, elongated slitopening 90 target urination zone 95 longitudinal axis 100 transverseaxis 110

What is claimed is:
 1. A disposable absorbent article to be worm aboutthe lower torso of a wearer, the absorbent article comprising atopsheet, backsheet and a core disposed therebetween, the absorbentarticle including at least one serviceable indicium that facilitates aneasy, intuitive change by aligning the article relative to an anatomicalfeature of the wearer or a component of the article, thereby enhancingthe fit and corresponding performance of the article.
 2. A disposableabsorbent article to be worn about the lower torso of a wearer thatfacilitates an easy, intuitive change, the disposable absorbent articleincluding a body-facing surface and a garment facing surface; a firstwaist region with a first end edge, a second waist region with a secondend edge, and a crotch region interposed therebetween; a longitudinalaxis and a transverse axis; and a pair of opposing longitudinal sideedges joining the first end edge and the second end edge; the disposableabsorbent article comprising: a backsheet having a body-facing surfaceand a garment facing surface; at least one externally visibleserviceable indicium disposed on portions of the disposable absorbentarticle proximate the longitudinal side edges in at least the crotchregion and at least one externally visible serviceable indicium disposedon portions of the disposable absorbent article proximate the first andsecond end edges, wherein the externally visible serviceable indiciadistinguish the portions of the garment-facing surface of the articleproximate the longitudinal side edges and portions of the garment-facingsurface of the article proximate the first and second end edges from aportion of the garment-facing surface of the article proximate anintersection of the longitudinal and transverse axes; a core disposed onthe body-facing surface of the backsheet; a first ear panel disposed inthe second waist region, each first ear panel having a body-facingsurface and a garment-facing surface, wherein at least a portion of eachof the first ear panels includes at least one externally visibleserviceable indicium complementing the externally visible serviceableindicium on the garment-facing surface of the article proximate thefirst and second end edges and proximate the longitudinal side edges;and a fastening system for releasably securing the first waist regionand the second waist region about the lower torso of the wearer, whereinthe disposable absorbent article is intended to be fitted to the wearerby aligning the externally visible serviceable indicium on the portionof each of the first ear panels with the externally visible serviceableindicium proximate the first end edge forming substantially alignedindicia at least substantially encircling the waist of the wearer, andwherein the externally visible serviceable indicia in the crotch region,proximate the longitudinal side edges of the article, form substantiallyaligned indicia at least substantially encircling the legs of the wearerwhereby the substantially aligned indicia denote proper alignment andfit of the article about the hips and legs of the wearer.
 3. Thedisposable absorbent article according to claim 2 wherein the externallyvisible serviceable indicium comprises a color or a pattern.
 4. Thedisposable absorbent article according to claim 2 wherein the externallyvisible serviceable indicium comprises a texture.
 5. The disposableabsorbent article according to claim 2 wherein the externally visibleserviceable indicium proximate the longitudinal side edges and theexternally visible serviceable indicium proximate the first and secondend edges provide a contoured pattern that distinguishes the first waistregion from the second waist region.
 6. The disposable absorbent articleaccording to claim 5 wherein the contoured pattern is curvilinear andthe pattern in the second waist region is concave relative to theintersection of the longitudinal and transverse axes and the pattern inat least one other region is convex relative to the intersection of thelongitudinal and transverse axes.
 7. The disposable absorbent articleaccording to claim 5 wherein the core has a shape and the contouredpattern matches the shape of the core and serves as a fit guide foraligning the core with respect to the wearer's lower torso.
 8. Thedisposable absorbent article according to claim 2 further comprising atleast one internally visible serviceable indicium, wherein thedisposable absorbent article is intended to be fitted to the wearer bylying the wearer on the body-facing surface of the article and aligningthe serviceable indicium with an anatomic feature of the wearer.
 9. Thedisposable absorbent article according to claim 2 further comprisinginstructional serviceable indicia disposed on a portion of the garmentfacing surface of the article wherein the portion where theinstructional serviceable indicia are disposed includes proximate aninner edge of each first ear panel, proximate the longitudinal sideedges, or proximate the inner edge of each first ear panel and proximatethe longitudinal side edges.
 10. A disposable absorbent article to beworn about the lower torso of a wearer that facilitates an easy,intuitive change, the disposable absorbent article including abody-facing surface and a garment facing surface; a first waist regionwith a first end edge, a second waist region with a second end edge, anda crotch region interposed therebetween; a longitudinal axis and atransverse axis; and a pair of opposing longitudinal side edges joiningthe first end edge and the second end edge; the disposable absorbentarticle comprising: a backsheet having a body-facing surface and agarment-facing surface, at least one externally visible serviceableindicium disposed on a portion of the disposable absorbent article; acore disposed on the body-facing surface of the backsheet; wherein theat least one externally visible serviceable indicium provides acontoured pattern that complements a shape of the core.
 11. Thedisposable absorbent article according to claim 10 wherein the core hasa contoured shape to accommodate fit in the crotch region and the atleast one externally visible serviceable indicium provides a contouredpattern that complements the contoured shape of the core.
 12. Thedisposable absorbent article according to claim 10 wherein the coreshape comprises an idealized core shape.
 13. The disposable absorbentarticle according to claim 10 wherein the portion where the at least oneexternally visible serviceable indicium is disposed includes a portionproximate the longitudinal side edges in at least the crotch region, aportion proximate the first end edge, or a portion proximate the secondend edge.
 14. A disposable absorbent article to be worn about the lowertorso of a wearer that facilitates an easy, intuitive change, thedisposable absorbent article including a body-facing surface and agarment-facing surface; a first waist region with a first end edge, asecond waist region with a second end edge, and a crotch regioninterposed therebetween; a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis; anda pair of opposing longitudinal side edges joining the first end edgeand the second end edge; the disposable absorbent article comprising: atleast one internally visible serviceable indicium; a backsheet having agarment-facing surface and a body-facing surface; and a core disposed onthe body-facing surface of the backsheet; wherein the at least oneinternally visible serviceable indicium aligns with an anatomic featureof the wearer during fitting.
 15. The disposable absorbent articleaccording to claim 14 wherein the at least one internally visibleserviceable indicium is substantially aligned relative to at least thelongitudinal axis or the transverse axis.
 16. The disposable absorbentarticle according to claim 14 wherein a portion of the article where theat least one internally visible serviceable indicium is visible includesthe first waist region, the second waist region or the crotch region.17. The disposable absorbent article according to claim 14 furthercomprising an elastically foreshortened topsheet.
 18. The disposableabsorbent article according to claim 17 wherein the elasticallyforeshortened topsheet comprises an elongated slit opening disposedalong the longitudinal axis, the elongated slit opening aligns with ananatomical feature of the wearer selected from the group including: awearer's anus, a wearer's genitals, or a wearer's anus and genitals. 19.The disposable absorbent article according to claim 14 wherein the atleast one internally visible serviceable indicium highlights thelocation of at least a portion of the elongated slit opening.
 20. Adisposable absorbent article to be worn about the lower torso of awearer that facilitates an easy, intuitive change while the wearer isstanding or lying down, the disposable absorbent article having a firstwaist region with a first end edge, a second waist region with a secondend edge, a crotch region interposed therebetween, a longitudinal axis,a transverse axis, and a pair of opposing longitudinal side edgesjoining the first end edge and the second end edge, the disposableabsorbent article comprising: a fastening system for releasably securingthe first waist region to the second waist region and providing a firstfit and a second fit, wherein the first fit provides a loose fitenabling the article to be maneuvered about the wearer's lower torsoduring fitting and the second fit provides a secure fit about thewearer's waist, the fastening system including instructional serviceableindicia providing information corresponding to the first fit and secondfit.
 21. The disposable absorbent article according to claim 20 whereinthe fastening system further comprises a primary landing member and asecondary landing member wherein the instructional serviceable indiciumare disposed on the primary landing member and the secondary landingmember.
 22. The disposable absorbent article according to claim 20wherein the first fit corresponds to a standing change where the diaperis fitted below the wearer's knees and pulled up around the wearer'swaist and the second fit corresponds to secured fit about the wearer'swaist.
 23. The disposable absorbent article according to claim 20wherein the instructional serviceable indicia comprise graphics ofcharacters wearing the disposable article and illustrating theconfiguration of the article during the first fit and the second fit.24. The disposable absorbent article according to claim 20, furthercomprising: a first ear panel disposed along each longitudinal side edgein the second waist region; a second ear panel disposed along eachlongitudinal side edge in the first waist region, each second ear panelhaving a body-facing surface and a garment-facing surface, a proximaledge joined to the longitudinal side edge and a distal edge opposite theproximal edge; and wherein the fastening system further comprising: atab member having a tab proximal edge disposed at the distal edge ofeach of the first ear panels, a tab distal edge, a tab body-facingsurface and a tab garment-facing surface, each tab member including afastening element disposed on the tab body-facing surface near the tabdistal edge; a primary landing member disposed on the garment-facingsurface of each of the second ear panels providing a first fit and asecondary landing member disposed on the garment-facing surface of thebacksheet in the first waist region providing a second fit, wherein theinstructional serviceable indicia are disposed on the primary andsecondary landing members.